A word about critiques...

One of our most important workshop activities is critiquing each others' materials.  In order to make it the most constructive experience for everyone, please observe the following guidelines:

Preparation

• Bring enough typed copies of your lyric sheet for the group.  10-15 is usually sufficient.  Members will write observations and notes on the lyric sheet for you to take home with you.
• Cue your cassette to the start of the song.  Demos on CD are fine as well.
• You may have lyrics without music critiqued.  Many of our members are lyricists, and do not write melodies.
• Live performance is fine and encouraged.  You may bring your guitar, trombone, kazoo, theremin, whatever you accompany yourself with.
• Avoid long introductions, solos, etc. in your demos if you can help it.  We prefer to be moved by the song, not the 32-bar guitar solo.

The Critique

• We always applaud the song at the end.  Sharing your craft with the group is a brave deed.
• We always start by focusing on the strengths of the work, followed by suggestions on how to make the song stronger overall.  Production values are not usually discussed unless the writer is interested in that feedback.  It's about the song, not the performance.
• Try to avoid negative adjectives and sentiments.  Songs are very subjective, and you will not always love what you hear.
• When it is your song being critiqued, avoid being defensive or argumentative.  Take the input home with you, think about it, and then make your decision about the feedback.  Of course, you can always ask for clarification, so you really understand feedback.

Other things to consider
People bring songs of all genres to the workshop.  The intent of the song may be to get a commercial cut, or for the writer's own performance, as a gift to someone, or a personal moment they needed to express.  We try never to judge, but rather review the song in the context for which it was written.  You may not be a fan of cabaret tunes, but someone may bring one in for critique.  We try to focus on the craft of the song.  A general rule of thumb:  Critique others in the manner in which you would like to be critiqued.

Also, don't forget about the NSAI critique service.  It's a great way to get feedback from Nashville pros.  If you do get a critique, feel free to bring it in and share it with the workshop.  This has spurred some great discussions in the past!